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High altitude
As one ascends through the atmosphere, every breath contains fewer molecules of oxygen. One must work harder to obtain oxygen, by breathing faster and deeper. The % of oxygen in the atmosphere at sea level is 21%. As altitude increases, the % remains the same but the number of oxygen molecules per breath is reduced. At 12, 000 feet 40% fewer oxygen molecules per breath. Your body has to cope!
Dr. Marybeth Lambe reviewed this
47 year experience in Travel Medicine
How long it usually lasts:
Related questions
A 34-year old asked:
How do people manage to live at high altitudes?
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A 37-year old male asked:
What is the best way to adjust to high altitude?
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A 48-year old asked:
How does the body acclimate itself to high altitude?
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A 47-year old asked:
How does living at high altitudes affect your health?
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A 30-year old asked:
How do you handle high altitudes? Can you still party?
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A 26-year old asked:
Does a link exist between high altitudes and longevity?
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A 28-year old male asked:
What is the definition or description of: high altitude?
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A 45-year old asked:
If my baby was born in high altitude are they used to it?
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A 48-year old asked:
Could a lowlander adjust to permanently living at high altitude?
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A 39-year old asked:
Does living at high altitude cause any drugs to be less effective?
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A 39-year old asked:
What happens to our body in very high altitudes (without any protection)?
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A 38-year old asked:
What are some ways to simulate high-altitude conditions while training at sea-level?
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A 48-year old male asked:
Good BP until living @ high altitude then a year later things spiralled out of control. When back @ sea level didn't need meds. Altitude reaction?
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A 47-year old asked:
Why is it harder to breathe at high altitudes?
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A 49-year old asked:
Could high altitudes effect your period?
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A 29-year old asked:
What is the effect of high altitude on esr?
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A 38-year old asked:
Is it safe to bring my baby into a high altitude?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A 42-year old asked:
Is there is any danger to diabetic at high altitude?
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A 38-year old asked:
Can traveling to high altitudes affect morning sickness?
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A 46-year old asked:
How could living at high altitudes affect your breathing rate?
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A 37-year old asked:
Effects of living at high altitudes on the elderly - anything worrisome?
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A 16-year old male asked:
What precautions and medicines i need to take while going to a very high altitude leh-ladakh?
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A 49-year old male asked:
My BP suddenly went dangerously high after living at high altitude for over 6 months. What is the reason for this?
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A 43-year old female asked:
How safe is it for someone who had been smoking for 27 yrs to move to a high altitude city of 5000 or 6000 ft elevation ?
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A 24-year old male asked:
I'm wondering if I have any neurologic complications after HACE at high altitude. Is this possible if I don't have any symptoms I'm aware of?
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A 27-year old male asked:
Have JAK2-negative polycythemia. Any further testing that might diagnose the cause? Do not smoke (quit 5 years ago) and do not live in high altitudes.
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A 40-year old asked:
Can living at high altitudes lessen the effects of lexapro (escitalopram)?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 24-year old asked:
Are pacemakers affected at all by long distance flights or particularly high altitude?
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A 44-year old asked:
What diet and exercise changes do I need if I am going into a high altitude environment?
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A member asked:
Is it advisable for one whose asthma is well controlled to travel to places of high altitude?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
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